University of Pennsylvania
At Protect Our Campus, we firmly believe that a vibrant and healthy campus environment is essential for the educational and At Protect Our Campus, we firmly believe that a vibrant and healthy campus environment is essential for the educational and personal growth of students. For more information about our mission and activities, Read here
Upcoming Events
Rally For Palestine
Quotes from the Campus
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"Brenadette Lim - “To all calling for ‘peace’ [in Gaza] yet failing to name the [Israeli] war crimes broadcasted live— Your peace is not neutral: it is oppressive & dangerous. We are witnessing the powers of the West commit live genocide, media manipulation, surveillance.”"
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"Gustavo Espada - “I hate Israel and Zionism with a passion.”"
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"Elisabeth Anker - “Everyone at our peaceful march just stopped to give you the finger, Marge.”"
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn), founded in 1740, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, Penn has produced influential alumni, including U.S. President William Henry Harrison, business magnate Elon Musk, and former President Donald Trump. The university is known for its rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and Ivy League prestige.
However, in recent years, Penn has been the site of increasing antisemitism, radical activism, and pro-Hamas demonstrations, creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and faculty.
Penn’s Pro-Hamas Movement & Campus Unrest
The university has witnessed an alarming increase in anti-Israel demonstrations that have crossed into antisemitism and have disrupted campus life.
Notable Extremist Protests and Incidents
1. Gaza Solidarity Encampment (April-May 2024)
- April 25, 2024: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators established an encampment on College Green, demanding that Penn divest from companies linked to Israel.
- The encampment lasted for 16 days, with protesters blocking campus spaces and disrupting university events.
- May 10, 2024: Police dismantled the encampment, leading to multiple arrests and follow-up protests.
2. Attempted Occupation of Fisher-Bennett Hall (May 18, 2024)
- Following the demolition of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, activists attempted to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall, renaming it “Refaat Alareer Hall” after a Palestinian academic.
- 19 protesters were arrested, including seven Penn students.
- Protesters later disrupted an alumni event, forcing it to end early.
3. Faculty Lawsuit Against Penn (March 2024)
- Pro-Hamas faculty members sued the university to block it from cooperating with a congressional investigation into antisemitism on campus.
- The lawsuit was seen as an attempt to prevent accountability for faculty members who had expressed support for Hamas.
4. Pro-Palestinian Faculty “Die-In” Protest (January 2024)
- Faculty members laid on the ground during a staged protest to represent Palestinian deaths in Gaza.
- The event was organized by Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine, which was formed that same month.
Rise of Antisemitism at Penn
Penn has increasingly been criticized for fostering an antisemitic environment where Jewish students feel unsafe.
Incidents of Antisemitism
- Antisemitic Graffiti (2023): Swastikas and anti-Israel slogans were found on Penn’s campus.
- Student Harassment Cases (2024): Jewish students reported being physically threatened and verbally assaulted during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
- Disruptions to Jewish Events (2023-2024): Multiple Jewish student gatherings, including Holocaust remembrance events, were interrupted by pro-Palestinian activists.
Incidents of Property Damage
- Fisher-Bennett Hall Vandalism (May 2024): Activists spray-painted pro-Hamas slogans on the building during the attempted occupation.
- Destruction of College Green Tents (April 2024): Protesters tore down and destroyed university property while setting up the Gaza encampment.
Pro-Palestinian Extremist Groups & Faculty Support
Student Groups Leading the Charge
- The most active extremist student group advocating for the university’s divestment from Israel.
- Banned in April 2024 for violating university policies during their hate rallies.
- A faculty group supporting Palestinian activism on campus, but usually chants in support of Hamas and antisemitism.
- Heavily involved in lawsuits against the university’s cooperation with the antisemitism investigation.
Faculty Members Supporting Radical Activism
Professors with Direct Ties to Pro-Hamas Rhetoric
- Arabic literature scholar, known for advocating for Hamas on social media and for her antisemitic rhetoric.
- Member of Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine and outspoken extremist who on the day after Hamas’ slaughter of women, men and children wrote tweeted, “While we were asleep, Palestine invented a new way of life.’”
2. Professor Eve Troutt Powell
- History and African Studies professor, active in her support for Hamas and their rhetoric.
- Signed a petition defining Hamas’ mass rape and slaughter of men, women and children as an act of resistance.
- Political Science professor, affiliated with Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine.
- Anne’s Twitter has no shortage of Antisemitic messages and support for US-designated terrorist organizations. On October 7, following the news of Hama’s horrific terror attack on innocent men, women and children, she tweeted, “Palestinians have the right to defend themselves. I “utterly condemn” the occupation and structures of discrimination. “There is no justification.
- English professor, excusing Hamas’ horrific actions as resistance and referring them as legit.
- Helped organize faculty-led protests and petitions against Penn’s response to antisemitism, as he feared the exposure of his hate incitement.
- English professor and member of extremist group Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine.
- Prominent figure in on-campus discussions related to Hamas activism and divestment efforts.
As of Today
The University of Pennsylvania, a once-respected Ivy League institution, has increasingly become a breeding ground for radicalism, antisemitism, and anti-Israel extremism. Jewish students face harassment, while faculty members actively support anti-Israel rhetoric. The university administration has struggled to maintain control, allowing pro-Hamas sentiment to fester.
With ongoing congressional investigations, national scrutiny, and rising tensions on campus, Penn must decide whether it will uphold its academic integrity or continue enabling extremist activism.
Updated Code of Conduct on Campus
Stay informed about the latest updates to the Campus Code of Conduct and understand how it affects you.
Read the GuideCampus Information
UPenn's commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all its students has been tested in recent years -
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